Annual rainfall averages about 38 inches in Kent, and moisture inside wood provides a feast for these quiet demolishers throughout the year. A lot of Kent residents are unaware when their home is being invaded until the damage is done. In neighborhoods like East Hill and Scenic Hill, where much of the housing stock is aging and the regional humidity can exacerbate termite infestations, termite infestations are not only possible; they are a real threat to the integrity and financial value of your property.
If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact a professional pest control service, such as Saela Pest Control, which can help you save a lot of money on repair work.
Understanding Termites in the Pacific Northwest
Subterranean termites, which flourish in the Pacific Northwest’s damp environment, are our primary concern. So, unlike those drywood cousins found in warmer states, these termites live in your soil and crawl on the ground in mud tubes before getting into the wood in your house. These are very tough beings that can eat timber 24/7 and are uninterested in resting or stopping. This is particularly worrying for homeowners in Kent, as the signs of their being there can take many years to notice. Why Kent Homes Are Vulnerable
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High Annual Precipitation
Being located in the Green River Valley, Kent receives a fair amount of rain in the fall, winter, and spring months. That constant moisture is not just cloudy skies, but it gets into the soil around home foundations and keeps wood continually wet. Termites seek moisture to survive, so if the land around your house stays moist for months, you are basically rolling out the welcome mat for termites to come and make themselves comfortable.
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Poor Drainage in Older Neighborhoods
A large number of Kent homes were built from the 1950s to the 1980s before current drainage practices were well established. Water pooling around foundations is a common problem in areas such as Panther Lake and along the East Valley Highway. When gutters spill or downspouts discharge too close to your house, the water collects in a humid environment that termites urgently need. With around 42% of Kent’s housing stock built before 1980, drainage problems are a common challenge.
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Wood-to-Soil Contact Points
In any Kent neighborhood, you can see many homes with wood decks, porches, and siding so close to the ground. Termites find the path to their food clear with this direct contact of wood in the ground. Landscaping options are also a factor: stacking firewood against your house or planting up to wooden siding roadways for termites to travel.
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The Green River Valley Effect
Kent is situated in a natural bowl that traps moisture, resulting in more humid conditions than elsewhere. The closeness to the Green River keeps groundwater levels high and fog almost every morning. Geographically, this means your home’s crawl space and foundation area are subject to more moisture than homes only a few miles away with even a slight elevation change.
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Abundance of Mature Trees and Landscaping
Kent loves its tree-lined streets and lush landscaping, but that greenery has its costs. Dead tree stumps, buried wood debris from early construction projects, and even heavy mulch beds can create food that allows termite colonies to survive right in your yard. All they need to do is set up shop nearby, and then it is only a matter of time before they find your wooden house.
When to Call a Pro?
Termites can be the most destructive pest, and early signs will help you avoid an expensive renovation project. Call the pros if you see mud tubes climbing up various features of your foundation, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, wings scattered near windowsills, and small piles that resemble sawdust.
Based in the Kent area, Saela Pest Control provides comprehensive inspections capable of detecting current infestations and ensuring that conditions conducive to future termite activity are not present. Their approaches are based on integrated pest management, which prioritizes long-term prevention instead of short-term solutions.